Move files from OneDrive to OneDrive for Business

This article describes how to move files you're storing in Microsoft OneDrive or other cloud-based file storage services to OneDrive for Business in Office 365.

If you have local access to your OneDrive files, you can move files to OneDrive for Business simply by uploading them in a web browser. However, for efficiency, we recommend using the new OneDrive sync client. The table below summarizes the tasks and considerations related to moving files to OneDrive for Business.

Share files in OneDrive for Business - You may have shared files with other people in OneDrive. When you move these files to OneDrive for Business, these are recognized as new files. Therefore, you may want to share some of these files again.

Sync OneDrive for Business to your computer

When you sync your files with the OneDrive sync client, you can move your OneDrive files around just like other files on your computer. It’s easier and quicker, because you aren’t dependent on a network. Note the following important details about using the OneDrive sync client for this task:

(You might need to click the Show hidden icons arrow next to the notification area to see the OneDrive icon. If the icon doesn't appear in the notification area, OneDrive might not be running. Click Start, type OneDrive in the search box, and then click OneDrive in the search results.)

In Settings, select Account, and then select Add an account.

When OneDrive Setup starts, enter your new account, and then select Sign in.

Move OneDrive files to your synced OneDrive for Business folder

To move your OneDrive files to OneDrive for Business, drag them from your synced OneDrive folder to your synced OneDrive for Business folder.

Note: Before moving your files from OneDrive to OneDrive for Business, you may want to consider using Files On-Demand. For more information, see Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand.

In File Explorer, open your synced OneDrive folder.

By default, your synced OneDrive folder is located in c:\users\username\OneDrive. It should also appear under your favorites.

Drag the files you want to your synced OneDrive for Businessfolder.

Important: If you’re moving a large number of files, for best results, we strongly recommend that you move files in batches of no more than 100 files each.

Once you’ve moved files to the synced library folder, they’re automatically uploaded to OneDrive for Business on Office 365. For information about the various icons related to a file's status, refer to What do the OneDrive icons mean?

Notes about moving files from OneDrive to OneDrive for Business

Note the following details about moving files from OneDrive to OneDrive for Business:

Files you move from OneDrive to OneDrive for Business are essentially recognized as new files, and as a result, these files don’t retain metadata details such as Modified and Modified By.